Google's messaging app Hangouts was today updated to version 2.0, adding an iOS 7 redesign and several new features including animated stickers, 10 second video messages, and iPad optimization. This is the app's first major update since it received voice calling and Google Voice integration back in October of 2013.

Following the update, the app supports a two-column conversation view on the iPad. Like many other social networking apps, Hangouts now supports animated stickers that can be included in messages, and maps of current locations can also be sent in a message.

googlehangouts
Along with a new look and feel, Hangouts has also gained new option to send a video message that's up to 10 seconds in length to offline users, which can be viewed later.

- Stickers: express your mood with fun animated stickers. Think of them as emoji, but even more awesome.

- Video Messages: record and send short videos to everyone in the conversation. Now you can really say what you need to say.

- Location sharing: send a map of your current location with a few simple taps. Great for coordinating the whole gang when you're ready to hangout IRL.

- Optimized for the iPad: enjoy big, beautiful video calls, and a two-pane conversation view. Perfect for the iPad's larger screen.

Google's Hangouts app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

WhackyNinja Avatar
156 months ago
Google knows how to do flat UI

Apple take note.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WhackyNinja Avatar
156 months ago
Of what? We can argue until the cows come home about what constitutes flat design, but I still prefer Apple's more playful take on it, and I think at the end of the day, that's really what matters more, rather than just meeting the technical definitions of "flat" just for the sake of it.

Apple's flat design is just clutter. At least Google's design is nice and clean, and minimalistic.

Now dont get me wrong, iOS 7's UI isn't ENTIRELY bad...the blur effects are beautiful, but overall compared to Google's UI on the Stock Android, Google really takes the cake
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
156 months ago
I still can't send SMS via Google Voice? Why, Google, why???
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WhackyNinja Avatar
156 months ago
Google knows UI? I think they took "flat" design literally.



I think Apple took flat literally. Im sorry but the right looks more attractive than the left
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ppc_michael Avatar
156 months ago
They can't even get mail right.

I lol'd.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dulcimer Avatar
156 months ago
Google knows how to do flat UI

Apple take note.

This app is so difficult to look at and discern the different UI elements. If this app encompasses Google's take on flat UI, then they suck at it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature

Apple Announces Special Event in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4

Monday February 16, 2026 6:05 am PST by
Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Apple invited select members of the media to the event in three major cities around the world. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. The invitation features a 3D Apple logo design...
M3 iPad Air

Apple's Next Two Products Are Coming Soon

Thursday February 12, 2026 11:17 am PST by
Apple plans to release an iPhone 17e and an iPad Air with an M4 chip "in the coming weeks," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple retail employees say that inventory of the iPhone 16e has basically dried out and the iPad Air is seeing shortages as well," said Gurman. "I've been expecting new versions of both (iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air) in the coming weeks."...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

Gurman: iPhone 18 Pro Could Be Underwhelming

Monday February 16, 2026 4:24 am PST by
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models "won't be a big update," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that the iPhone 18 Pro models will "represent minor tweaks from last year's iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max." He compared the upgrade to Apple's past practice of appending the letter "S" to its more minor...
Coffee Burgundy and Purple iPhone 18 Pro Mock

Five iPhone 18 Pro Features Revealed in New Report

Friday February 13, 2026 8:43 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still seven months away, an analyst has revealed five new features the devices will allegedly have. Rumored color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models In a research note with investment firm GF Securities on Thursday, analyst Jeff Pu outlined the following upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro models: Smaller Dynamic Island: It has been rumored...
Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature 1

Apple Event on March 4: Here's What to Expect

Tuesday February 17, 2026 8:08 am PST by
Apple on Monday invited selected journalists and content creators to a "special Apple Experience" on Wednesday, March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai. At an Apple Experience, attendees are typically given the opportunity to try out Apple's latest hardware or software. Following the launch of Apple Creator Studio last month, for example, some content creators attended an Apple Experience...